Scotland Aims For Six Nations Redemption Against Italy At Murrayfield
Scotland Aims For Six Nations Redemption Against Italy At Murrayfield
Scotland faces Italy in the 2025 Six Nations opener at Murrayfield. Get team news, lineups, key match-ups and predictions for this exciting clash.
Scotland and Italy will kick off their 2025 Guinness Six Nations campaigns at Murrayfield on Saturday, with both sides looking to make a strong start.
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Gregor Townsend’s men are aiming to bounce back from last year’s defeat to the Azzurri, while Italy will be keen to prove its resurgence under new head coach Gonzalo Quesada.
Team News
Scotland will field a side with a mix of experienced and returning players.
Edinburgh hooker Dave Cherry and Bordeaux lock Jonny Gray will earn their first caps in two years, with Cherry making his first Scotland appearance since the 2023 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Stafford McDowall steps in at inside center to replace injured captain Sione Tuipulotu.
Fly-half Finn Russell and flanker Rory Darge will co-captain the team.
Cherry, earning his 12th cap, starts ahead of club teammate Ewan Ashman, with Townsend citing his set-piece accuracy and experience as key factors.
Gray, who last featured for Scotland in the 2023 Six Nations clash against Italy, returns from injury to add power to the second row alongside Grant Gilchrist.
Ben White retains the No. 9 jersey, despite limited club minutes for Toulon, while record try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe has shaken off an ankle issue to start on the wing with Darcy Graham.
Blair Kinghorn completes the back three at fullback.
Italy has opted for consistency, retaining 12 players from the squad that defeated Scotland last year.
Fullback Tommaso Allan and lock Dino Lamb return after missing that match through injury, while Lorenzo Cannone starts at No. 8 after coming off the bench in Rome last year.
Azzurri coach Quesada has named an experienced pack and a 6-2 bench split, with uncapped Zebre prop Luca Rizzoli among the replacements.
Words From The Camps
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend is confident his side is well-prepared for the challenge.
"He's been playing well for Edinburgh; we feel Dave's strengths will suit what we want him to do; his experience will be his No. 1 strength, his set-piece accuracy and experience in the scrum, and we feel that's the right blend for what we want to achieve."
Discussing the selection of Gray, who previously opted to rest, instead of playing for Scotland in the November internationals, Townsend said, "We had to be sure that he was fully fit. He did have a tight calf at the end of the week, but he's trained fully this week, so we are backing how he came back from his injury for Bordeaux in the 10-11 games he played for them.
"We know he's an experienced international who will be hugely motivated to play once again for Scotland."
One area of contention with the selection was at inside center with captain Sione Tuipulotu missing the Championship through injury, his Glasgow teammate Stafford McDowell edged Northampton's Rory Hutchinson for the 12 shirt.
"I feel Stafford has earned it," Townsend explained. "He started in our last Six Nations game over in Ireland and played very well.
"Whenever he's been given the opportunity, whether on summer tour or November tests, he's really stepped up. He'll bring his own strengths to the game."
Key Matchup: Finn Russell Vs. Paolo Garbisi
The battle at fly-half between Scotland’s Finn Russell and Italy’s Paolo Garbisi could determine the outcome of the match.
Russell, known for his creativity, vision, and ability to unlock defenses with pinpoint kicks and audacious offloads, will look to control the game and keep Scotland on the front foot. His tactical nous and ability to dictate the tempo will be crucial against an Italian side that will aim to keep the game structured and disciplined.
Garbisi, on the other hand, is a composed and tactical playmaker who thrives on managing territory and ensuring his side maintains pressure. His goal-kicking will be vital, and his ability to exploit any gaps in Scotland’s defensive line could make the difference.
If Garbisi can disrupt Russell’s rhythm and keep Italy in the right areas of the pitch, the Azzurri stand a fighting chance. However, if Russell finds his stride, Scotland’s attacking options could overwhelm the visitors.
Prediction
Scotland’s home advantage, combined with the firepower of Russell, van der Merwe and Graham, should prove too much for Italy.
While the Azzurri continuity have in their squad and an improving pack, Scotland’s experience and attacking edge likely will see them through. Scotland by 10.
Lineups
Scotland
Blair Kinghorn; Darcy Graham, Huw Jones, Stafford McDowall, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell, Ben White; Pierre Schoeman, Dave Cherry, Zander Fagerson, Jonny Gray, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson.
Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Will Hurd, Gregor Brown, Jack Dempsey, George Horne, Tom Jordan, Kyle Rowe.
Italy
Tommaso Allan; Ange Capuozzo, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Monty Ioane; Paolo Garbisi, Martin Page-Relo; Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Simone Ferrari, Dino Lamb, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro (capt), Lorenzo Cannone.
Replacements: Gianmarco Lucchesi, Luca Rizzoli, Marco Riccioni, Niccolò Cannone, Manuel Zuliani, Ross Vintcent, Alessandro Garbisi, Simone Gesi.
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